B.C. government expands LNG training capacity

B.C Government is delivering on its commitment in B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint to increase access and reduce waitlists for critical trades training seats by adding 272 seats at the BC Institute of Technology (BCIT). Seats will be available to students as early as September 2014.

The seats are aligned with the top 12 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) trades jobs that include welders, industrial electricians, ironworkers, crane operators and heavy duty equipment mechanics, and will support in-demand jobs needed in other industries.

BCIT will receive $1.35 million from the government of B.C., with $798,000 to fund the additional 272 seats and $553,000 in operating funds for minor equipment such as tools, a small steam boiler, welding equipment, threading machines and other training equipment to support trades students.

The 272 seats represent a 4% increase over the 6,739 seats funded at BCIT by the Industry Training Authority.

Government initially announced $6.6 million for critical trades seats as part of B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint on April 29, 2014. Additional funding and seat allocations in public post-secondary institutions offering trades and technical training throughout the province will be made in the coming weeks.

A million job openings are expected in B.C. by 2022, with about 43% requiring college education or apprenticeship training.

Press Release, July 29, 2014